SRC-TAG H.B. 2661 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2661
78R11475 QS-DBy: Puente (Armbrister)
Natural Resources
5/21/2003
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

The use of "graywater," which is household wastewater from clothes washing
machines, showers, bathtubs, handwashing lavatories, and sinks, can
produce approximately 100 gallons of excess water per day in the typical
Texas household.  This is water which could be used to replace potable
water for irrigation purposes and presents a tremendous potential for
water conservation.   However, graywater generated by
commercial/industrial users may have characteristics that necessitate more
stringent regulations than those that are created for domestic graywater.
H.B.  2661 defines graywater and sets standards for graywater use. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to
a state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 26.0311, Water Code, as follows:

 (a)  Redefines "graywater."

(b)  Requires the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)  by
rule to adopt and implement minimum standards for the use of graywater for
certain purposes.  

(c)  Requires the standards adopted by TCEQ under Subsection (b) to assure
that the use of graywater is not a nuisance and does not damage the
quality of surface water and groundwater in this state. 
 
SECTION 2.  Amends Section 341.039, Health and Safety Code, as follows:

(a)   Requires TCEQ by rule to  adopt and implement minimum standards for
the use and reuse of graywater for certain purposes.  Deletes text
requiring the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners to adopt rules and
implement minimum standards for the use and reuse of graywater. 

(b)  Requires the standards adopted by TCEQ under Subsection (a) to assure
that the use of graywater is not a nuisance and does not damage the
quality of surface water and groundwater in this state. 

(c)  Prohibits TCEQ, under certain circumstances, from requiring a permit
for the domestic use of less than 400 gallons of graywater each day. 

(d)  Provides that each builder is encouraged to take certain actions,
regarding the use of graywater. 

 (e)  Redefines "graywater."  Redesignates (b) as (e).

SECTION 3.  Amends Section 366.012(a), Health and Safety Code, to require
TCEQ to adopt certain rules, in order to assure the effective and
efficient administration of this chapter. 
 
SECTION 4.  Requires TCEQ, not later than June 1, 2004, to adopt and
implement minimum standards for the use of graywater under Section
26.0311(Wastewater Operations Company Registration and Operator
Licensing), Water Code, as amended by this Act; and address the separation
of graywater in a residence served by an on-site sewage disposal system
under Section 366.012(a), Health and Safety Code, as amended by this Act. 

SECTION 5.  Effective date: September 1, 2003.